View full sizeEllis Lucia, The Times-Picayune archiveThese student musicians from Abita Springs Middle School were photographed performing at the Abita Springs Trailhead last month.

The most significant changes in the 2011-12 year include allowing seventh-graders to take Algebra I for high school credit; a slightly modified grading policy, which was mandated by the state; and a mandate by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association that students must maintain a grade point average of 1.5 or above (a C average) to participate in any sanctioned sports.

Of the changes, the board seemed most interested in the offering of algebra.

Previously, the course was available only to junior high students in the eighth grade, who then could gain high school credit if they finished with a 75 average or better. Beginning next year, seventh-graders will become eligible to take the course, which then would be followed by an option to take geometry in eighth grade if they finish with an 85 or better.

Assuming the student passed, he or she would be eligible to take college math courses by senior year.

"They'll be no different than the kid sitting in the high school campus," said Denise Parker, senior supervisor of instruction. "It will actually say Algebra I on their transcript."

The changes to the grading scale were announced to the board in March, but now become official as entered into the progression plan and approved by the board. The scale for an A now is from 93 percent to 100 percent (was 92-100), a B will be given for 85-92 percent (was 83-91), a C becomes 75-84 percent (was 74-82), a D will be 67-74 percent (was 65-73). Anything 66 or lower will be a failing grade (was 64 and lower).

Another change will include the allowance of a two-hour class block at each high school across the system for some 17-year-old students interested in gaining a GED. To enter, an eligible student must have 10 or fewer credits and have parental permission.

When the student finishes the course, he or she "will need to pass the official GED practice test and has had their 18th birthday," and then "will be recommended to take the GED test through the Louisiana Technical College System," according to the progression plan.